June 15, 2019
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Psalms? Here’s today’s reading:
Psalm 80 (ESV)
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!.......Continue Reading
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I am struck by the desperation of the author that reflects purity from this prayer
I am trying to figure out what time period this describes for the Nation of Israel. The names Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh all describe the children of Jacob’s wife Rachel with Ephraim and Manasseh being the children of Joseph.
Also, the name, “Shepherd of Israel”, seems to be an older name and possibly reflects on the Exodus where God shepherds his people Israel through the wilderness and into the promised land.
I read some commentaries which think that the reference to ‘enthroned upon the cherubim’ is a reference to Jerusalem. However, it is a reference to is the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant resides and not to a specific geographical location.
Exodus 25:22, 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2 and 1 Chron 13:6 use this term ‘enthroned between the cherubim’ in reference to the ark that resides in the tabernacle.
Also, the reference in verse 8 to Egypt may allude to an earlier time. Perhaps this is during the time of the Judges and prior to the establishment of a king in Israel. I don’t think it refers to the Assyrian invasion because there isn’t a reference to a king, and the author does not recognize the idolatry that was rampant in the kingdom of Israel prior to that invasion.
The chapter has a refrain in verse 3, 7, 19. The refrain ‘Cause Your face to shine’ is reminiscent of the priestly benediction “The Lord make His face shine upon you” (Numbers 6:25)
The ESV Study Bible notes say that Psalm 80:4 implies the reason for God’s punishment is the people’s unfaithfulness. However, this is not obvious to me. The author seems genuinely puzzled at the oppression of the Gentiles. Also, he does not confess sin.
The references to Shepherd of Israel and the vine are both interesting in that Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:14) and the True Vine (John 15:1).
No matter what time period this describes in the life of Israel, I still am reminded that our source of deliverance always resides with God. It is good and proper for us to ask God to make his face to shine on us, to restore us and to make a name that is honored among unbelievers (e.g., Gentiles)
Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
How great it is that God’s behavior in the past becomes a reference point to be relied on in the present! There are different reason’s why hardship enters our life, but God is always the one to turn to to find consolation, forgiveness and hope. Even when the hardship is due to discipline, confessing our sins brings us back Into fellowship with Him and provides His presence as we deal with the implications of our sins. Even when God may feel distant, we can know that He is there and is always doing something to build our character and faith as well as to bring glory to His name. And because of His faithfulness in the past we can know that He will be faithful in the present, but in the way that os best. But for us to be able to point to the way He has worked and use that as a basis for what we request today is a powerful thing. It is far better to use that, the way He is and what He has done, as a reference point fo or requests than our situation. So our request becomes answer because of who you are not because of who I am, answer because of what you have done rather than what I have done. And to know that He walks beside us in a more significant way than He had with Israel (He is inside us), is awesome and reassuring when we might face circumstances like those in this Psalm.
18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Once again, the chosen flock plead for our Lords Grace.